Fall Seasonal Removal of Flashboards & Fish Bypass Systems at Crescent & Vischer Ferry Dams

Contact:
Connie Cullen
914-724-0309
connie.cullen@nypa.gov
or
Erin Agans, NYS Canal Corp.
518-436-3055

November 7, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBANY—Workers from the New York Power Authority’s (NYPA) Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project, North Blenheim, working with the New York State Canal Corporation, will oversee a water drawdown for the seasonal removal of the flashboards and fish bypass systems at Vischer Ferry and Crescent dams beginning on Sunday, Nov. 16.  The Crescent and Vischer Ferry dams are located on the Mohawk River in the Towns of Niskayuna, Clifton Park and Colonie.  The New York State Canal System is scheduled to close on Saturday, Nov. 15.   

The schedule is:

Sunday, Nov. 16

PM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop to elevation 211 feet (ft) by Monday AM.

Monday, Nov. 17  

AM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise to 213.3 ft.  AM water levels at Crescent drop to 0.5 ft. below crest, elevation 183.5 ft.  Removal of flashboards and fish deterrent systems at Crescent is completed.  PM water levels at Crescent rises to crest, elevation 184.0 ft. and at Vischer Ferry drops to elevation 211.2 ft. through the night. 

Tuesday, Nov. 18

AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop to 0.3 to 0.5 ft. below crest.  Removal of flashboards at Vischer Ferry is started.  PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise to 0.1 ft. above crest. 

Wednesday, Nov. 19  

AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop to 0.3 to 0.5 ft. below crest.  Removal of flashboards at Vischer Ferry continues.  PM water levels at Vischer Ferry rise to 0.1 ft. above crest.

Thursday, Nov. 20

AM water levels at Vischer Ferry drop to 0.3 to 0.5 ft. below crest.  Removal of flashboards and fish deterrent systems at Vischer Ferry is completed.  PM water levels at Vischer Ferry return to crest, elevation 211.0 ft. 

Barring any complications or inclement weather, the removal of the flashboards and fish deterrent systems will be completed Thursday, Nov. 20.  Unforeseen precipitation and high water conditions may delay this schedule.  Any questions regarding this work should be directed to John Osinski in NYPA’s Albany Office at 518-433-6742. 

 About NYPA:

■    NYPA uses no tax money or state credit.  It finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity.  ■    NYPA is a leader in promoting energy-efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives.  ■    It is the nation’s largest state-owned electric utility, with 18 generating facilities in various parts of the state and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines.

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